Book of 2
Thessalonians
Summary of the Book of 2 Thessalonians
This summary of the
book of 2 Thessalonians provides information about the title, author(s), date
of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the
chapters of the Book of 2 Thessalonians.
Paul's authorship of 2
Thessalonians has been questioned more often than that of 1 Thessalonians, in
spite of the fact that it has more support from early Christian writers.
Objections are based on internal factors rather than on the adequacy of the
statements of the church fathers. It is thought that there are differences in
the vocabulary (ten words not used elsewhere), in the style (it is said to be
unexpectedly formal) and in the eschatology (the doctrine of the "man of
lawlessness" is not taught elsewhere). However, such arguments have not
convinced current interpreters. A majority still hold to Paul's authorship of 2
Thessalonians.
Because of its
similarity to 1 Thessalonians, it must have been written not long after the
first letter -- perhaps about six months. The situation in the church seems to
have been much the same. Paul probably penned it (see 1:1; 3:17) c. a.d. 51 or 52 in Corinth, after Silas and
Timothy had returned from delivering 1 Thessalonians; see also Introduction to
1 Thessalonians).
Inasmuch as the
situation in the Thessalonian church has not changed substantially, Paul's
purpose in writing is very much the same as in his first letter to them. He
writes (1) to encourage persecuted believers (1:4-10), (2) to correct a misunderstanding
concerning the Lord's return (2:1-12) and (3) to exhort the Thessalonians to be
steadfast and to work for a living (2:13 -- 3:15).
Like 1 Thessalonians,
this letter deals extensively with eschatology (see Introduction to 1
Thessalonians: Theme). In fact, in 2 Thessalonians 18 out of 47 verses deal
with this subject.
I.
Introduction (ch. 1)
II.
Instruction (ch. 2)
III.
Injunctions (ch. 3)
